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iOS Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) – On-Device Setup Flow

When an iOS device is assigned to an MDM server in Apple Business Manager or Apple School Managed portal, the Setup Assistant will appear either when a device is powered on for the first time or when an existing device is erased and set up again. During this process, the device contacts Apple services to retrieve the enrollment profile and automatically enrolls into mobile device management (MDM).

The following sequence describes the standard on-device user experience from the Hello screen until enrollment and Shared iPad initialization are completed.

1. Hello Screen​

After the device is wiped and restarted, the iOS Setup Assistant displays the Hello screen.

User actions:

  • Select language and region.
  • Choose preferred accessibility options if required.

2. Quick Start / Manual Setup​

The device prompts the user to set up the device manually or use Quick Start.

Behavior:

  • The user may proceed with manual setup or migrate settings from another device.
  • Automated Device Enrollment continues regardless of the selected method.

3. Network Connection​

The Setup Assistant requires the user to connect to Wi-Fi or cellular data.

Requirements:

  • Network connectivity is mandatory for ADE.
  • The device sends its serial number to Apple activation servers to verify whether it is registered in ABM and assigned to an MDM server.

4. Remote Management and Enrollment Profile Installation​

If the device is assigned to an organization in Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager, the Remote Management screen is displayed during setup.

Behavior:

  • Displays the assigned organization and MDM server details.
  • The user selects Next to proceed with enrollment.
  • The device then downloads and installs the MDM enrollment profile.
  • The configured ADE settings are applied during this stage, including:
    • Setup Assistant configuration
    • Supervision, where applicable

Note: This applies only to devices below iOS 13, as devices with iOS 13 and above are supervised by default.

  • Initial device management is established on the device.

5. Setup Assistant Configuration Screens​

Based on administrator-defined ADE Profile settings, certain screens may appear or be skipped.

Examples include:

  • Login with Apple ID & iCloud
  • Screen Time Setup
  • Siri Setup
  • Data and Privacy Pane
  • AppStore Setup
  • Action Button Configuration Pane

The visibility of these steps depends on the ADE profile configuration.

6. Application Management​

Applications assigned within the Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) profile are automatically installed on the iOS device during enrollment, without requiring any user interaction. This ensures that required apps are available immediately after setup.

Application Deployment Behavior App Installation typically begins during Setup Assistant or immediately after the device reaches the Home screen.

7. Device Configuration and Policy Application​

After Setup Assistant finishes, the device proceeds with configuration.

Behavior:

  • Default profile policies are installed based on the configuration

8. Home Screen Initialization​

The device reaches the Home screen once setup is complete.

Post-enrollment behavior:

  • The device is now fully managed by MDM.
  • Management settings remain active according to ADE restrictions.